ELLESMERE Port MP Andrew Miller slammed a Government minister and Chester City Council after plans for a glass bottling plant were put on hold.

The council had hoped to give the green light to the Quinn factory at Ince which would create 550 jobs but has raised fears about traffic and pollution.

However, an 11th hour intervention by the Secretary of State means the scheme will now be subject to an inquiry which could be nine to 12 months away.

Government spokesman Nigel Ellis said the reason for the 'call in' was that the project had 'more than local significance'.

But a furious Mr Miller has fallen out with planning minister Keith Hill, who made the decision, claiming he bowed to political pressure from South Yorkshire where fellow Labour MPs are worried about the impact on jobs at a rival firm, especially in an election year.

'You might call it political cowardice, I couldn't possibly comment,' said Mr Miller, who claimed Weaver Vale MP Mike Hall and Chester MP Christine Russell were also infuriated. Chester City Council last week discussed the application and agreed that 'approval' for the scheme would be the basis of its submission to the inquiry.

A complicating factor is that Quinn did gain permission for a smaller plant but then submitted a larger scheme which was also passed but successfully challenged in the High Court by rival firm Rockware Glass. This meant a fresh application had to be made but Quinn controversially continued with construction.

Mr Miller said: 'A London-based MP made a decision to the detriment of the North West.'

A spokesman for Rockware Glass said: 'The decision by the Secretary of State represents a real victory for local residents, MPs, trade unions and the glass industry, who have campaigned against the unacceptable features of the Quinn proposal.

'The Government has realised that the issues raised by the Quinn development are of national significance.

'Rockware will maintain pressure to ensure that Chester City Council stops Quinn from continuing to build the factory.' Quinn Glass made no comment.